I need your guys' input. I heard the best way was to put it in a PVC pipe with some bubble wrap.

If It’s regarding shipping or storing Youre bulbs Then the pvc with bubble wrap You mentioned is the best way ,

If You’re wanting to display early fluorescent bulbs I’ve seen them in display cabinets under glass , Or do what I do - I hang mine up on the wall - They display nice on a wall where there out of the way, Mine are on a piece of plywood on the wall